Head bolt re-torque???

[JJW_ND]

If one had a head gasket replaced and used Cummins head bolts, should they be re-torqued at some point down the road?



In my case, I did not reuse the original head bolts, I had new bolts installed if that matters. I did end up with a thinker head gasket and I do run a little more power then stock.



I am not having any problems, but have heard a comment or two that it is good to go back and re-torque head bolts. I just want to make sure we are talking Cummins head bolts and not studs, or "O" ring or fire ring setups (which I have neither).



All opinions are welcomed.



jjw

ND

 

[DavidC]

It does not hurt to re torque and it is extra insurance. I vote to recheck after a few engine warm ups after everything has settled.



Dave

 

[TURBOs4LIFE]

Yes I was told by Scott at Mass Diesel to do it at least once a year.

 

[dpuckett]

I retorqued the ones in my "91" and about a third of them turned 30 deg or more; think 6 of them went a full 90. Truck ran smoother after that, more like it was supposed to. I went to 120ft-lbs. Was that right? If not, it's getting a new head this summer, anyway, so I'll go thru it agian



Daniel

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I did one last night and one of the bolts was loose, two others might have T/Q to 50 lbs and one bolt was stretched..... run the valves while your there.



Jim

 

[BKilbury]

What is the correct head bolt torque for a 24v second gen engine?

 

[mikel]

So, what is the recommended torque value? Use the numbers in the shop manual, or something else?



Mike

 

[SMorneau]

how about it? I have 273k and the head has never been touched. I have the typical coolant leak at the front right side of the block but a small amount of Barrs leaks has been able to stop it for the most part.



What is the prodedure for retorqueing the head on a 12V. How can I tell if a bolt is stretched?